Rikki Clarke could be available to play in a specialist batsman role for Warwickshire within three weeks, despite suffering a broken finger against Sussex in the championship opener at Edgbaston last week.

But the all-rounder, who fractured the index finger of his right (bowling) hand when struck by a rising delivery from Chris Jordan, is unlikely to be able to bowl competitively again until another two weeks after that.

Clarke’s presence in the middle order is a big miss to the Bears with bat and ball and in the slips, where he is among the most efficient catchers in the country.

Had he been there when Luke Wells offered a chance in the first over of Sussex’s run-chase last week, then the outcome of the match could have been very different.

He has, on occasions in the past, played while unable to bowl but is unlikely to do so this time as it would be risky to deploy Clarke in the slips, where edges can come flying at great pace, before his finger is fully healed.

“It is excellent news that Rikki will be back batting that soon,” said director of cricket Dougie Brown.

“But we will give him all the time he needs. If he can’t bowl there’s no way he can be catching in the slips.

“A fully functioning Rikki Clarke is a very high-quality commodity and that’s what we want to have available to us.”

Two of Warwickshire’s other injury concerns are nearing availability. Ian Westwood has recovered from his ankle operation, though need not be rushed back in the light of William Porterfield’s excellent 77 opening the batting at Old Trafford yesterday.

Boyd Rankin did some gentle bowling in the square at Old Trafford yesterday and is not far from fitness.

Tom Milnes’s return is a little further down the line. He is due to have another scan today on his shoulder affected by a stress fracture.